Free association to haunt teenagers, these 6 things must be done by parents

Free association is defined as an act outside the limits of reasonableness that violates moral and religious norms. In Indonesia, promiscuity refers to drug abuse, Peel the Real Effects of Alcohol's Dangers on the Body: Heart to Kidney Damage, and unsafe sexual activity. Ironically, teenagers are most susceptible to falling into this behavior.

Remember, the repercussions of this behavior are no joke. In the case of premarital sexual intercourse, this behavior can lead to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and other disorders of the child's development. Meanwhile, drug and alcohol abuse does not only cause organ damage, but also death.

So, how do you protect children from promiscuity? Let's take a peek at some of the following surefire tips.

Tips to protect children from promiscuity

The family, or in this case parents, is the first line of defense that is fully responsible for protecting the child.

If you do not quickly take wise steps, it is not impossible for your child to be dragged into the flow of promiscuity which is increasingly worrying. Here are a few things you need to do:

1. Invite children to discuss

It cannot be denied that adolescence is the busiest period for children. But when your child and you both have free time, take advantage of asking each other about news and exchanging stories.

You can provoke chatter from the simplest of topics. For example, asking what your child's activities are at school and how your child usually gets along with his friends. After that, then you lead the chat to the main topic. Explain to the child what promiscuity in general is, what things go into the act, and what the dangers are to your child as well as to the people around him.

Explain slowly in language that is easy for the child to understand. Invite the children to ask about anything that still makes them confused. Don't hesitate to say “don't know” if you don't know the answer to the question.

2. Provide sexual education

Adolescents have a high curiosity about sex and sexuality. This is a natural part of the development process. However, curiosity that is not accompanied by good knowledge can lead a child to satisfy his curiosity through other channels that are generally inaccurate and can be dangerous. For example, from the internet, pornographic films, myths, and peer pressure.

This is where your role as a parent is indispensable. Promiscuity is very close to sexual activity that is unsafe and risky. So, start introducing sexual education to children from an early age, even though talk about sex may still be taboo to be discussed openly.

Sexual education is not just about sexual relations. You can start by explaining, for example, about the differences in the body of men and women in general, body changes during puberty, how pregnancy occurs, the risk of getting pregnant in adolescence, and areas of the body that should not be touched by strangers. Also teach children to dare to refuse or run away when strangers touch these areas.

Yes. Sexual education is not only about keeping teenagers from promiscuity as a result of wanting to "experiment" out of curiosity. Early sexual education can also protect your child from the dangers of sexual harassment by those around you.

Get rid of any awkwardness you might feel when trying to tell your child about this. Remember that the health, safety and well-being of children is much more important than temporary care.

Make sure you don't go in a roundabout way, or your child could get caught or lose interest in the topic being discussed. Make this light discussion on several occasions. That way, children will have time to absorb and remember the information they get.

3. Apply strict rules at home

Applying strict rules at home is a surefire way that parents can do to avoid promiscuity with adolescents. There are several rules that need to be enforced, for example about the curfew.

Tell every child, both boy and girl, not to come home late at night. Ask the children to get home at least 8 p.m. Unless there are other matters with good reasons.

In addition, make restrictions not to invite friends of the opposite sex to play in the area of your child's room.

4. Get to know each of your child's friends

In many cases, the behavior of adolescents is reflected in their daily environment of friends. Yes, cases of drug abuse, alcoholism, and even free sex can be triggered if your children play and gather in an environment that supports these things.

So, therefore, make sure you get to know all of your child's friends well. If necessary, ask your child to invite friends over to the house and get to know you.

Knowing your child's circle of friends also allows you to get to know the parents of other kids. As a result, you can also exchange ideas and information on tips for educating children with other parents.

5. Monitor children's daily activities

Try to always monitor and supervise all the activities that the children do. You can ask your child to notify you every time they have an activity or go somewhere. Also make sure you know when they will be home.

You can text, call, or video call your child to check how they are and where they are. Give understanding to children that what you are doing is not a form of restraint, but supervision.

Basically, every parent has their own way of supervising their children. Either way, make sure that your child doesn't object or even feel pressured by it. Agree on what's best for the child as well as yourself as the parent.

6. Support the child in the hobbies he likes

Adolescence is a period when children are actively trying various activities. Whatever activity the child chooses as long as it is positive, support it. If your child is passionate about playing soccer, you can include him in the soccer club. Likewise, if your child likes painting or drawing, you can buy a set of drawing tools for him.

In essence, divert children's attention from promiscuity through various positive activities that he likes.